PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
Pg 613, 614
EMANUEL BAKER. Among the citizens of Clark County who have
entered into rest after winning an honorable record, the name of Emanuel BAKER
is conspicuous. His life was spent in an industrious and conscientious discharge
of the duties which lay before him and since his death he has been missed not
only by his family circle but by his neighbors as well, who could ill afford to
spare from among them one whose example and precept were so potent for good. A
peaceable and law abiding citizen, an earnest advocate of every good work—in
fact a Christian gentleman—his memory may well be honored by those who survive
him.
Mr. BAKER was born in Clark County, February 7, 1821, being
a son of Martin and Eva BAKER, early settlers here. He received his education in
the primitive schools and was early thrown upon his own resources as his father
died before he had entered his teens. Dependent up his own efforts to get a
start in life, he put his shoulder to the wheel with earnest determination and
as a result of his labors was able to leave to his widow an excellent estate of
fifty acres. His judgment concurred in the principles advocated by the
Republican Party to which he therefore gave his adherence. He became a member of
the Reformed Church the faith of which cheered his dying hours. The esteem and
confidence of his neighbors was manifested by his election to the office of
Trustee of German Township.
The marriage of Emanuel BAKER and Drusilla FOLTZ was
celebrated November 14, 1844 and each found in the other a sympathizing
companion, whose chief joy was found by the home fireside. The happy union was
blessed by the birth of two children—Lydia, wife of Isaiah MINICK, of this
county and Andrew J., deceased.
Mrs. BAKER is a native of Rockingham County, VA, her
parents, Soloman and Leah (HUFFMAN) FOLTZ, also being natives of the Old
Dominion. She was born June 30, 1824 and was ten years old when her parents
removed to the Buckeye State. They located in what is now German Township, Clark
County, where the mother subsequently died, the father breathing his last in
Jasper County, IL. Of the five children belonging to the parental family, Mrs.
BAKER is the only one known to survive.
Amid the scenes incidental to the early development of an
agricultural region Mrs. BAKER grew to maturity, receiving a rudimentary
education in the traditional log schoolhouse. In her own home she was trained in
all the womanly knowledge which was practical in the households of that time and
became well fitted for the position of helpmate to an industrious man. The
virtues which endeared her to her husband and children and to those who knew her
intimately are recognized by all who enjoy the pleasures of her acquaintance.
Her usefulness has not been confined exclusively to her own home, but from the
spot which was the center of her affection she has reached out a helping hand to
neighbors and is therefore well known and highly esteemed.
The many friends of Mr. BAKER will be pleased to notice his
portrait, which is presented in connection with his personal sketch.
transcribed by Jean Hehn
25 Mar 2002